A record total of 19,485 high school students have filed applications to attend Rensselaer this fall, according to numbers released today by the Rensselaer Office of Admissions. This year’s total represents an increase of 5 percent from last year at this time, and a nearly 10 percent increase over the past two years.

“This is the largest number of applications for one year that Rensselaer has ever received,” said Jonathan Wexler, vice president for enrollment management. “Last year, Rensselaer received 18,467 applications.”

To date, 51 percent of the applications received are from students outside of the Northeast region. For Rensselaer, admissions officials note this is due to garnering student interest from their recruitment efforts in states that include California, Virginia Florida, Texas, and Washington.

The incoming Rensselaer Class of 2021 applicant pool also represents a continued expansion of the national and international profile of the student body, as well as a significant increase in applications from women, underrepresented minority students, and Rensselaer “legacies” — students with relatives who attended the university.

Rensselaer continues to appeal to outstanding students who are interested in studying at America’s first technological university, which was evident when we enrolled more than 1,700 students last year—representing the largest incoming class in the Institute’s history. Here on campus we know that Rensselaer has historically been a top producer of future leaders and innovators, so it is very encouraging to see external evidence that more and more students value the high-quality academic and co-curricular programs that we offer.”—John Wexler, vice president for enrollment management

In addition, the high-achieving group includes students who have been nominated for the Rensselaer Medal, a scholarship awarded to the top math and science students at nearly 3,000 high schools around the world. To date, 5,643 alumni and alumnae have received the award.

“Rensselaer continues to appeal to outstanding students who are interested in studying at America’s first technological university, which was evident when we enrolled more than 1,700 students last year—representing the largest incoming class in the Institute’s history,” Wexler said. “Here on campus we know that Rensselaer has historically been a top producer of future leaders and innovators, so it is very encouraging to see external evidence that more and more students value the high-quality academic and co-curricular programs that we offer.”

Rensselaer will host its annual Accepted Student Celebration event on April 8. For information regarding Rensselaer Admissions, visit the website.